Just picked up a 10 inch buffer/polisher this evening. I have never used one on a car before always hand waxed. Thought I would give this a try. Anyone have any tips for waxing using one of these? I have applicator bonnets...terry cloth, sheep skin, and foam. I've always heard you can burn the paint or make swirl marks on the paint. This is a 2600 rpm orbital polisher. I know to stay away from edges and sharp body lines...but other than that???? Any info is greatly appreciated !

Mark.

 

Sounds like you'll do OK.

1) Lighter is better than heavier.
2) Watch the edge of the bonnet, as it always wears there first. 3) Never stay in one spot, even if it's not complete yet. This way the paint never gets warm or hot.
4) Always make sure that the bonnet is clean. It's better to change it, then to find out that a piece of sand left swirl marks all oever the place.

And as you mentioned stay away from the edges.

 

Put as little pressure on the bonnet as possible. That will reduce heat build up, and help to maintain the speed of the buffer.

Always use it in a straight line. Do not move the buffer in a circular pattern unless your buffer is just a plain orbital buffer. Random orbital buffers already simulate hand buffing, so you should just move those in a normal line.

Don't bother trying to apply polish with the bonnets, for it goes everywhere. Just apply wax by hand, wipe it off by hand with a towel, and buff with the buffer.

 

Practice on someone else's truck first.

 

Youre asking for swirls with the use of their terry cloth bonnets. Try to pick up some of those Microfiber bonnets.

 

yeah - DON'T USE IT. all you will end up with are swirls. wax by hand using an X-pattern. remove wax with same x-pattern.
swirling the wax = swirls.....

 

You will never get swirl marks with the Porter Cable buffer. The shine is much deeper using this as opposed to hand polishing.

 

i use a orbital buffer down here in Florida about once a month no swirls here!!! Go ahead use it cant hurt it with an orbital..

 

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by the way - nice front plate!
i am scared of running anything that spins on my truck. i have always hand waxed in an x-pattern, and i have no marks in the paint. it may take longer, but it's well worth it to me to know that i will not have any swirls.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by buckeye
[B]i use a orbital buffer down here in Florida about once a month no swirls here!!! Go ah

I betcha i can find a swirl on that puppy. Swirls are IMPOSSIBLE to keep off paint, its just with silver, its much harder to see.

If you use a portal cable, sure, you will have a nice finish. I think he was talking about a regular orbital buffer though.

 

go buy some of the blue 3m painters tape and mask all the plastic pieces on the trim, or you'll be using the search button trying to find out how to clean the way off.

 

get Zaino, ditch the buffer

 

Well, I used the buffer today....turned out great, I only used it to put it on...didnt want to use it to take it off. Thought that the dust and wax might leave swirls. This is one nice polisher/buffer...it spins and vibrates in all directions in order to give a none-directional finish. Didnt apply any pressure either...sure saved alot of elbow-work. This red is darker and more "wet" looking than i have ever had before.

Oh yeah tallimeca, I have learned to stay away from the trim pieces. But I also have some of the Meguires Trim Detailer...it removes wax from our L's trim very easily. Its like a lotion almost...blackens the trim up better than new and takes wax out without using a toothbrush or anthing...just a rag. I always had trouble with wax in the mirrors, side steps, and the such until i found this stuff...like magic!

 

Here's a few more tips:

ALWAYS start the buffer with the pad already touching the paint, and turn the machine off with the pad touching the paint. This will prevent splatters of wax/polish and keep you from putting an edge down first and scarring the surface.

When doing a certain section (hood for example) make wide sweeping motions, doing the entire surface 3-4 times at once until the wax/polish is very thin. Buff off with a 100% cotton towel, never terry.

Make sure to use only polish designed for a buffer. Hand polish is more abrasive since you use less force, while buffer polish is much finer.

Now take your truck to the car show and notice how much better it looks than all of the others